Carla Rae Mathison

1958 - 2025

Carla Rae (Carlson) Mathison

August 19, 1958 - June 8, 2025

Carla Rae (Carlson) Mathison, fell asleep in death unexpectedly on Sunday, June 8, 2025, at the age of 66 at the Reedsburg, Wis. Hospital, with her loving husband Matt and her loyal dog Brightly at her side.

Carla Rae was born August 19, 1958 to Ray and Charlotte (Powers) Carlson in Elburn, Ill. It is there that her family ran a local's favorite, Carlson's Confectionary. Carla Rae often spoke of the pleasure, as a child, of enjoying her dad's homemade ice cream and fresh pies.

Carla Rae pursued her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kentucky and graduated in 1980. She went on to obtain her Master's degree in Agricultural Economics, graduating from the University of Illinois in 1984. Her education led her to a career at Technomic, Inc. in Chicago and then Oscar Mayer in Madison where she became a contributing partner in the development of Lunchables. After leaving Oscar Mayer, Carla Rae started her own successful market research consulting business which enabled her to work from home and be the principal caregiver for her mother. Carla Rae retired in 2016.

It was through her love of the sciences where she eventually met the love of her life, Matt Mathison. They were married May 3, 2002 at the Olbrich Gardens Conservatory and were gifted 23 wonderful years together.

A huge part of Carla Rae's life was her love for animals large and small. At an early age she adored her cat Winkie. In High School her love for horses opened the way for her to work at a horse barn in Elburn. In college she worked at a thorough-bred farm in Kentucky. Later she owned several horses and rode daily. She had three dogs that she loved dearly and enjoyed doing dog agility with them. And she and "Brightly" did Barn Hunt competitions.

May of 2020, Carla Rae suffered a traumatic brain injury that began a series of lifestyle and health struggles. Yet always positive and with a brave smile she pushed forward. A highlight for Carla Rae these past five years was learning about and observing wolves alongside Rick McIntyre (Yellowstone National Park). Since May of 2021 Matt and Carla Rae joined Rick and other wolf watchers to enjoy observing new puppies and their families in the park. This year was no exception.

Through Carla Rae's struggles it was her faith that has given her hope for a better future. She was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses March 29, 2003. Sharing her beautiful hope with others brought her a tremendous amount of joy and contentment. Her love for people, her kindness and empathy, touched many lives. She was an active member of the Baraboo, Wis. Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses and was loved by all.

Carla Rae was preceded in death by her parents, and four brothers.

She is survived by her husband, Steven "Matt" Mathison; her stepdaughter, Michelle (Mo McNichols); nephew, Tim (Julie) Powers, and their daughter, Erika (Jeff) Appelt, and their son, Brooks.

A Memorial talk will be held at 3 p.m., Saturday, July 12, 2025 at the Baraboo Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, E10966 Hatchery Rd., Baraboo, WI. Visitation will begin at 2 p.m. The service will also be available on Zoom; id # 92765251871, pin #411391.

The Farber Funeral Home, Reedsburg, is assisting the family.